A father shot dead his ex-wife and another man with a high-powered rifle outside a courthouse before being killed by police.

David Hernandez Arroyo also wounded four people during the rampage in Tyler, Texas, including three police officers and his son. Authorities said the man was angry about a dispute over child support.

Rapeconvictionsfall

THE proportion of rape allegations which lead to a conviction has sunk to an all-time low of 5.6pc, despite government efforts to boost results. Researchers found there was a "culture of scepticism" towards rape victims among police and prosecutors.

Boyfriend in court

THE boyfriend of missing job centre worker Joanne Nelson today made his first Crown Court appearance charged with her murder. Paul Dyson, 30, was remanded in custody at Hull Crown Court after a brief hearing. He is accused of murdering 22-year-old Miss Nelson on or around February 13 "at a place unknown". Her body has never been found.

Jet crash report

FATIGUE cracks probably caused the China Airlines plane crash in May 2002, killing all 225 people on board, Taiwan's Aviation Safety Council said today. The Council said the cracks appear to have caused "structural failure" in the tail section of the Boeing 747-200.

Happy at work

HAIRDRESSERS are the happiest workers, while civil servants, social workers and architects are the unhappiest, new research revealed today. Two out of five hairdressers said they were extremely happy, head and shoulders above other occupations. Next in the happiness league were members of the clergy, chefs, beauticians and plumbers.

Fuel bills pledge

PENSIONERS could cut £100 off their annual fuel bill under Energy Saver Packages proposed by the Liberal Democrats today. Special discounts would allow them to insulate their homes for the cost of a single Winter Fuel Payment, cutting winter deaths while helping energy firms to meet conservation obligations.

Cull badgers call

MORE than 300 UK vets have urged the Government to back a cull of infected badgers which they claim are behind the spread of tuberculosis in cattle. The letter to Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett condemned the "wholly inadequate approach" of the Government towards the disease.

Royal Sri Lanka visit

THE Prince of Wales is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on Monday to view first-hand the devastation from the December 26 tsunami, the country's government has said. Prince Charles will visit the district of Batticaloa, parts of which are controlled by Tamil Tiger rebels.